New York Knicks: Five reasons to love Ron Baker re-signing

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 15: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics attempts to pass the ball as he is defended by Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks during the second half of their preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Commitment To Defense

To call Ron Baker an elite defensive player would be equal parts inaccurate and insincere. It would be making a mockery of the fact that players rarely enter the NBA and possess a full grasp on what it is that must be done in order to experience success on defense.

No matter how the results may have looked during his rookie season, Baker was one of the few New York Knicks players who took pride in their defense in 2016-17.

Baker is a 6’4″ and 220-pound combo guard with a near 6’10” wingspan. Those physical gifts enable him to defend multiple positions, and his combination of passion and commitment were worth heralding a season ago.

Baker will need to improve his footwork and consistency in 2017-18, but players who are simply willing to defend have been tough to find in New York.

With Baker in the backcourt, practices should be high-intensity settings featuring promising young talent. During games, Baker can sub in and do what he did in 2017-18: provide the energy that the starters failed to.

With a rookie point guard coming to New York in Frank Ntilikina, having a second-year player who’s ready to outwork everyone around him will be great for the locker room.